Associate

Associate

Overview

Associate

The CILA Associate membership grade is the gold standard in claims. It demonstrates that you have depth and breadth of knowledge and also proven experience in the successful handling of claims. The assessment criteria includes technical knowledge, informed decision making, effective claim management and effective communication. Becoming an Associate of the CILA is a significant achievement and enables you to describe yourself as a Chartered Loss Adjuster.

To become an Associate of the CILA you must pass an assessment process called Accreditation for Chartered Status (ACS) which includes:

1. Critical Analysis3000 word Critical Analysis of a claim

2. ACS Exam3½ hour written exam based on a claim scenario and comprising 4 compulsory questions. In advance of the exam sitting, candidates are asked to select an ACS exam paper from a choice of: Property (Domestic), Property (Commercial), Liability, Business Interruption, Subsidence or Aviation.

The Critical Analysis and ACS exam may be attempted/completed in any order.

In addition to completing the ACS assessment process you must also demonstrate that you have at least 5 years experience working as a loss adjuster (reduced to 3 years if you hold a professional qualification approved by the Institute). If this experience is gained whilst working for a Chartered Loss Adjusting firm/s you will be eligible to become an Associate of the CILA (ACILA). If this experience is gained whilst working for a firm/s which is not a Chartered Loss Adjusting firm you will instead be eligible to become a Certified Member of the CILA (MCILA).

The ACS process requires you to reflect on the technical knowledge and practical experience you have acquired. You will consider your development as a claims professional, in particular, the lessons you have learnt and the skills you have honed.

You will revisit the technical knowledge you gained whilst studying for the Advanced Diploma and will need to ensure that your knowledge is up to date. You will examine how you make decisions and identify what is required to make informed decisions in the handling of claims. You will also reflect on how to manage claims effectively and learn about the CILA’s Guide to Professional Conduct. You will review your communication skills and identify techniques or approaches that work well in different claim scenarios.

We recommend that you allow between 50 to 75 hours of preparation for the Critical Analysis and 50 to 70 hours of study for the ACS exam.

An example Critical Analysis, including examiner's feedback, is available to download:

The Institute examination procedure is changing. In October 2018 we trialled computer based exams for the Advanced Diploma and ACS at Pearson centres. We are delighted that following the success of the trial the procedure will be rolled out for all future Advanced Diploma and ACS exams.

From 1st April 2019 all Advanced Diploma and ACS exams will be computer based and “On Demand”.

How will this work?

From 1st April you will be able to book your Advanced Diploma or ACS exam by purchasing the voucher from Mindhub.

Having purchased the voucher you will be able to schedule your personal examination venue, date and time by creating your own online account with the exam facilitator Pearson VUE: http://www.pearsonvue.com/cila/

Please note that you will need your CILA membership number in order to create your Pearson VUE account.

What should you do before 1st April 2019?

Prepare for your examination and try out the Pearson software so you are familiar with the examination format via Trial Examination

Book Your Exam

Downloads

Chris Smith

What our Members say

Aspiring for Associate status really focused my mind on what it is to be a loss adjuster. Through exploration and research of the syllabus, I was able to apply such learning daily, providing more confidence and weight to the decisions I make.